Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Review: Odessa A’zion Shines as the Sole Bright Spot in Netflix’s Lackluster Animated Spinoff

Netflix’s animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, premiered on April 23, 2026. Developed by Eric Robles and Jennifer Muro, the series aims to capture the essence of the original Stranger Things, albeit with a TV-PG rating that targets a younger audience. The show features a cast that includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, and Odessa A’zion, among others.

Target Audience and Content Rating

The series seems to cater primarily to two groups. First, it appeals to younger viewers who may have been deemed too young for the original series, which carries a TV-14 rating. For these children, Tales From ’85 offers a more accessible entry point into the Stranger Things universe.

Second, it targets die-hard fans of the franchise who feel compelled to consume every piece of content related to the series. This completionist mentality may drive some viewers to watch the spinoff, regardless of its quality.

Character Introduction and Development

A notable addition to the cast is Odessa A’zion, who plays Nikki, a character described as burly and brash with a striking strawberry-pink mohawk. Nikki’s introduction brings a fresh dynamic to the story, making it regrettable that she wasn’t part of the original live-action series. However, her charm may not be sufficient to entice viewers who do not already belong to the aforementioned categories.

The narrative begins in early 1985, positioned between the second and third seasons of the original series. The young protagonists, including Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and El, are depicted as enjoying a brief respite from their battles against the Upside Down. This idyllic setting is soon disrupted when residents of Hawkins begin disappearing, prompting the group to spring into action once again, this time with Nikki’s assistance.

Narrative and Artistic Choices

Tales From ’85 does not appear to venture far from the established Stranger Things formula. The transition from live-action to animation seems more an attempt to recapture the charm of the earlier seasons rather than to innovate. The animation style is notably more vibrant than the darker tones of later live-action seasons, yet the storytelling remains largely unchanged.

The series introduces new monsters, which resemble a mix of familiar creatures from the franchise. However, the interpersonal conflicts among characters often feel repetitive, recycling themes and arguments from previous seasons. While Nikki contributes new inventions to the group, the overarching plot continues to revolve around the familiar trope of narrowly escaping danger, often thanks to El’s telekinetic abilities.

Character Dynamics and Voice Acting

El remains a central figure in the narrative, but her overwhelming power raises questions about the show’s ability to create genuine tension. The challenge of maintaining suspense is evident, as the plot frequently relies on contrived scenarios to incapacitate her temporarily.

The voice cast for Tales From ’85 attempts to replicate the performances of their live-action counterparts. While some actors, such as Braxton Quinney (Dustin) and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (Max), manage to capture the essence of their characters, others struggle to find their footing. This lack of depth in character portrayal detracts from the overall experience, making the animated versions feel less engaging.

Conclusion on Character Development

Nikki stands out as a character who can evolve and develop relationships in ways that the established characters cannot. This limitation arises from the need to adhere to the existing narrative canon, which stifles the potential for growth among the original cast.

In summary, Tales From ’85 offers a glimpse of what could have been had the creators chosen to take more risks. Instead, the series opts for a safe approach, appealing primarily to younger audiences and completionist fans. While it may satisfy those looking for a lighter version of Stranger Things, it ultimately lacks the depth and nuance that made the original series a cultural phenomenon.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-04-23 11:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk